Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Chicken and Egg CSA 2015

Having just returned from a really inspiring Free Range Poultry Conference in Nova Scotia, both Mark and I have new dreams and goals for the poultry side of our farm business, but there won't be any big changes from the member end, for this year.  That is to say that not a lot has changed from last year, for returning members.


The pick up times and locations are the same.
Tuesdays from 4:00-5:30
Charlottetown- Spring Park United Church (to be confirmed)
Summerside- Summerside Presbyterian Church
Freetown- At the Farm from Tuesday at 4 to Wed night.

*note: the CSA will be taking a break on July 27th and Aug. 3rd)

 
You are welcome to choose one or both CSA's and as many shares of either as you would like.  We are not anticipating having quite as many 'extra' chickens each week, so if you count on those, it may be wise to consider a second share option, for freezer birds to get you through the winter.
And please note that if payment installations or alternative payment options are an important consideration for you, we are more than happy to discuss a solution that will work for everyone.

Chicken CSA (see Egg CSA below)

As I explained in my last email to members, we have increased the per pound price for this year in order to remain competitive and hopefully create more opportunities for other farmers to consider the benefits and incentives of growing chickens on pasture.  We're also aiming to produce a smaller overall average sized chicken (although we're certain there will be some seasonal variation as there often is, given our changing weather).  Please contact me if you want to discuss this further). So with those two factors, the share price hasn't changed from last year but here are the detes:

We are aiming for an average of 5.5lb chickens each week, and although that may vary, we will do our very best to ensure that you get the full value over the season.  At $4.50/lb, for 9 weeks, this year’s share is $225.  That includes 9 fresh, organic, pastured chickens, vacuum packed, neck inside.  
Sally will send reminder emails wit farm updates, recipes and ideas and members are welcome to the farm anytime (call ahead to ensure we're available).  We're also looking at organizing an on-farm day lunch 'n tour exclusively for our members to come see how we do what we do.  More info to come on that.  

Each week you will have the opportunity to choose your cut-up preferences from whole, cut in half, or cut into 8 pieces (2 breasts, 2 tenderloins, 2 wings, 2 legs, neck and stock carcass). Cut in half carries a $2 charge and cut up is an extra $5/chicken.  Each pair of pieces is vacuum packed separately, making for ideal freezing.

Should you not be able to make a pick up or forget, I will hold your chicken for a day and then put it in the freezer until the next pick up when I can bring it with me.



Egg CSA

Same as the chickens, delivery is bi-weekly, so every second week, 1 share is 2 dozen eggs, 9 times.

If 1 dozen/week is too many for you, see if you can find a friend to share as we are not offering a half share option with the eggs this year.

The registration form for both CSAs can be found here.  Note: there are limited spots available and first priority will go to previous members but there are some new spots open so please don't hesitate to fill it out as we will be maintaining a waiting list.

Thanks so much!

-Sally